General Aspects Ecology – Found throughout the environment Very simple nutritional requirements – Not usually in normal flora unless hospitalized or immunocompromised
Diversity of species Ecology – Found worldwide in soil, water, vegetation, and microbial flora of animals and humans – Some are always associated with disease
Staphylococci Important human pathogen – Causes both relatively minor and serious diseases One of the hardiest of the nonsporeforming bacteria – Can exist on dry surfaces for a long period – Relatively heat-resistant; temperature range
Definition – Soluble substances that alter normal metabolism of host cells with deleterious effects on the host Host range – Known for bacteria, but possible that they play a role in diseases caused by fungi
